Honda Element. Manual - part 341

Fig. 5: Checking Continuity Between ECM/PCM Connector Terminal B10 And Alternator 4P 
Connector Terminal No. 3 

Is there continuity?  

YES -Update the ECM/PCM if it does not have the latest software (see UPDATING THE ECM/PCM ), 
or substitute a known-good ECM/PCM (see SUBSTITUTING THE ECM/PCM ), then recheck. If the 
symptom/indication goes away with a known-good ECM/PCM, replace the original ECM/PCM (see 
ECM/PCM REPLACEMENT ). 

NO -Repair open in the wire between the alternator and the ECM/PCM. 

ALTERNATOR AND REGULATOR CIRCUIT TROUBLESHOOTING 

1. Make sure the battery connections are good and the battery is sufficiently charged (see BATTERY 

TEST ).  

2. Connect a VAT-40 (or equivalent tester), and turn the selector switch to position 1 (starting). 

 

2007 Honda Element EX 

2007-08 ELECTRICAL Charging System - Element

  

Fig. 6: Identifying VAT-40 Components 

3. Start the engine. Hold the engine speed at 3,000 rpm, with no load until the radiator fan comes on, then let 

it idle.  

4. Raise the engine speed to 2,000 rpm, and hold it there. 

Is the voltage over 15.1 V?  

YES -Replace the alternator (see ALTERNATOR REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION ), or rear 
housing assembly (see ALTERNATOR OVERHAUL ). 

NO -Go to step 5. 

5. Release the accelerator pedal, and let the engine idle.  

6. Turn off all the accessories. Select the charging test on the tester.  

7. Remove the inductive pickup, and zero the ammeter.  

8. Place the inductive pickup over the B terminal wire of the alternator so the arrow points away from the 

alternator.  

9. Raise the engine speed to 2,000 rpm, and hold it there. 

Is the voltage less than 13.5 V?  

YES -Go to alternator control circuit troubleshooting (see ALTERNATOR CONTROL CIRCUIT 
TROUBLESHOOTING ). 

 

2007 Honda Element EX 

2007-08 ELECTRICAL Charging System - Element

  

NO -Go to step 10. 

10. Apply a load with the VAT-40 until the battery voltage drops to between 12-13.5 V. 

Is the amperage 87.5 A or more?  

YES -The charging system is OK. 

NO -Replace the alternator (see ALTERNATOR REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION ), or repair the 
alternator (see ALTERNATOR OVERHAUL ). 

ALTERNATOR CONTROL CIRCUIT TROUBLESHOOTING 

1. Connect the Honda Diagnostic System (HDS) to the data link connector (DLC) (see step 2 in HOW TO 

USE THE HDS (HONDA DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM) ).  

2. Turn the ignition switch ON (II).  

3. Make sure the HDS communicates with the vehicle and the engine control module (ECM)/powertrain 

control module (PCM). If it doesn't communicate, troubleshoot the DLC circuit (see DLC CIRCUIT 
TROUBLESHOOTING ).  

4. Check for DTCs (see GENERAL TROUBLESHOOTING INFORMATION ). If a DTC is present, 

diagnose and repair the cause before continuing with this test.  

5. Disconnect the alternator 4P connector from the alternator.  

6. Start the engine, and turn on the headlights to high beam.  

7. Measure the voltage between alternator 4P connector terminal No. 2 and the positive terminal of the 

battery. 

Fig. 7: Measuring Voltage Between Alternator 4P Connector Terminal No. 2 And Positive 
Terminal Of Battery 

Is there less than 1 V?  

YES -Go to step 11. 

NOTE:

If the charging system indicator is still on, replace the alternator (see 
ALTERNATOR REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION ).

 

2007 Honda Element EX 

2007-08 ELECTRICAL Charging System - Element

  

NO -Go to step 8. 

8. Jump the SCS line with the HDS, then turn the ignition switch OFF. 

9. Disconnect ECM/PCM connector B (24P).  

10. Check for continuity between ECM/PCM connector terminal B18 and body ground. 

Fig. 8: Checking Continuity Between ECM/PCM Connector Terminal B18 And Body Ground 

Is there continuity?  

YES -Repair short in the wire between the alternator and the ECM/PCM. 

NO -Update the ECM/PCM if it does not have the latest software (see UPDATING THE ECM/PCM ), 
or substitute a known-good ECM/PCM (see SUBSTITUTING THE ECM/PCM ), then recheck. If the 
symptom/indication goes away with a known-good ECM/PCM, replace the original ECM/PCM (see 
ECM/PCM REPLACEMENT ). 

11. Jump the SCS line with the HDS, then turn the ignition switch OFF. 

12. Disconnect ECM/PCM connector B (24P).  

13. Check for continuity between ECM/PCM connector terminal B18 and alternator 4P connector terminal 

No. 2. 

NOTE:

This step must be done to protect the ECM/PCM from damage.

NOTE:

This step must be done to protect the ECM/PCM from damage.

 

2007 Honda Element EX 

2007-08 ELECTRICAL Charging System - Element